Words Of Encouragement From the CCC

Ata Movassaghi scuba diving- Melbourne, Australia

Hello there!

This week, we wanted to share some words of encouragement for all of you considering study abroad. It can be intimidating- choosing where to go, what program to go through, packing, and getting mentally prepared to travel somewhere you've never been to, especially if you don't know anyone else going! So to keep you excited and motivated, here are some general thoughts from IC study abroad alumni on the value of studying abroad and how it has impacted their lives.


One thing to note is that all the quotes here are from current or former members of IC's Cultural Connections Club. I've been a part of this club since the semester before I went abroad to Senegal and I love it. We have dessert and photo nights where we share our stories from abroad, go out to dinner, promote study abroad through high school presentations, and provide a space where students can get excited and prepared to study abroad. We can help you fill out paperwork, answer your questions about studying abroad, and share any tips we have with you.
Email me at swolfe2@ithaca.edu if you're interested in joining.

We also have an upcoming event- Study abroad for a night!
What? an event where different cultural clubs on campus are coming together to celebrate and educate each other about our respective countries/cultures
Where? Fitness Center Gym
When? Tuesday, December 1st from 7:30-9:30
Cost? FREE


One more thing before the quotes! I thought it'd be a good idea to start adding some of our photos to each blog post. I think it's kind of exciting to look at pictures from other places in the world; places that you can go to through study abroad. Enjoy!


"Going to Rome was definitely a wonderful experience, one that I believe changed me for the better as a person. I grew up a lot in Rome because I had to. Living in another culture for a period of time also allowed me to become bery adaptable. Though at times I did get frustrated...in the end I fell in love with the Italian culture. I fully believe that studying abroad is something every student should do. It's a life enriching experience that no one should miss out on, especially since once you've graduated it will be even harder to go live over there for months at a time."- Kristen Cassel

Kristen in Rome

"My study abroad experience definitely impacted my life in a huge way...It was a growing experience and I developed my independence and confidence. My travels to Honduras this past summer greatly improved my Spanish language skills...I was able to study the culture and religion of Hondurans. I have a real sense of appreciation for the US, our freedoms, safety, privileges, technology, and living conditions."
- Liz Wetmore, also studied in Australia

"Studying abroad has CHANGED my life...It was the best decision of my life! I learned so much about myself as a person...I definitely feel more confident in myself...I have been back to Australia a total of four times since 2006...I just can't get enough of the culture and beautiful landscape. It has inspired me to do some more traveling in the future after I graduate...my experience abroad has impacted my career route as well. Before I went to Australia I had the goal of becoming a doctor...From the people I met and the experiences I had, I realized that wasn't the right choice for me...after my schooling one will most likely find me settled overseas in Australia :) ." - Jess Farley

"I thought I understood the world and was open before I went, but I was wrong, and I am grateful that I now know that I will never fully understand each culture, but it is an absolute blast trying to figure them out...I especially love learning while I am traveling because I get a micro history or micro politics of the area I am living in, which you cannot get in any class in college. There is nothing like learning about socialist identities than from someone who has gone through it...I would encourage everyone to study abroad."
- Meghan Henry, studied in the Czech Repbulic and in Turkey





Ata white water rafting in Australia!

As always, leave a comment or email me at swolfe2@ithaca.edu if there's anything else you'd like to see in the blog or if you'd like to meet up with another student who's studied abroad where you want to go.

Peace,
Samantha